Letters from readers

Thursday

GOOD WORKSMakes a differenceMy happiest Thanksgiving was when we worked with Volunteer Pensacola and delivered food baskets to the needy all Thanksgiving week, including Thanksgiving Day.

JOE PARRISHOrange Park

MEMORY FOR A LIFETIMEA fine romanceThe Times-Union carried a story I wrote about my happiest Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 24, 1983. My wife, Jo, and I met on a Thanksgiving blind date, the only blind date either of us ever had. When the story ran, we were approaching 29 years of happy wedlock. This year, we will celebrate 55 such years. Memorable - yes. It was truly a life-changing time for us.

GEORGE CORRICKPonte Vedra Beach

TWO ANNIVERSARIESAn 8 pounderFor me, no Thanksgiving can compare to Nov. 26, 1992. As my in-laws were sitting down for the big meal at their house, they wondered where my husband and I were, and probably figured we were just running late, as usual.But while they were serving up a huge turkey, I was serving up an 8-pounder of my own down at Baptist Hospital - a baby, that is, not a turkey! He weighs somewhat more than that now; he'll turn 17 on Thanksgiving Day this year. I couldn't be prouder of, or more thankful for, the baby boy we named after his father, grandfather and great-grandfather; the boy who made me a mom on Thanksgiving Day, 17 years ago. We call him "Buddy."

JULIE DELEGALJacksonville

THINKING OF DADFinally did itActually, it was last Thanksgiving. I'd made the "brag" that Daddy would provide the turkey from the wild.I'd been in the woods two days, gotten completely skunked - didn't see a turkey.The last day, I'd been in the woods less than 20 minutes, well hidden. A large flock of turkeys came into scant view. I only barely saw one, but could hear more. Being somewhat anxious (I'd already made the brag!) I took the shot.Suffice to say that I emptied my shotgun. I fed the whole family - 22 people. And discovered what a fantastic cook my wife really is.I'd have given a lot if my Daddy, who died in 2000, could have seen what his oldest boy did that day. He taught me to hunt, and that day his wisdom and patient teaching came to fruition.Incidentally, that was a brand new pump shotgun - it had never been fired. The first shot out of that gun stuck its target.

MICHAEL D. LEE Jacksonville

WHAT MATTERSEternal valuesLife is good, even in tough times. I love my country. We are a people whose foundation is built on faith, work and generosity. Help and food are always available to those in need. That's why citizens from all over the world want to live here because of those freedoms. We maintain the strongest military to protect us so we can enjoy our liberties.God bless our troops and God bless America.Be thankful this holiday; enjoy your family and friends, and be sure to thank a service person when you see one.

MARY JANE TRAVISAtlantic Beach

MARIONETTESDinner and a showWhen I was 7, I received Howdy Doody and Clarabelle marionettes for Christmas. My Dad was very handy with building, repairing and remodeling anything. Dad built a stage for my puppets. Mom decorated it. This stage fit perfectly in the door frame of the kitchen, facing the living room.After Thanksgiving dinner, Dad brought my stage in and put it in place. I had practiced and practiced to perfect the marionette show I performed for all these aunts, uncles and grandparents. Needless to say, I was a huge success and enjoyed much applause and adulation. What a fun memory! I still have the marionettes.

KATHY FELTENGreen Cove Springs

THANKSGIVINGFor the less fortunateI love when my family comes together to share one big fabulous feast together. One way to show your thankfulness is to do a volunteer opportunity in your community. There are always virtual volunteer opportunities online. You can show your thankfulness by making Thanksgiving Day baskets with nonperishable food items and donate to a less fortunate family. Or give the basket to a nonprofit organization, for example, the Sulzbatcher Homeless Center.

JAMES JONES,student,Jacksonville

THINKING OF OTHERSSupporting the troopsThe best fall holiday of my childhood was during World War II in California, when my parents responded to a request of the base nearby and volunteered to invite soldiers for Thanksgiving at residents' homes. Ours consisted of my parents and me. Looking back, I realize how young and homesick they were, but to an 11-year-old then, they were heroic presences. Remembering and being thankful, I support our troops through care packages and donations today.

PEG REDDING HALLAM Jacksonville

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